The sun peeks through the clouds, casting a warm glow that dances on the vibrant red strawberries resting on your countertop. Their sweet aroma fills the kitchen, promising a delightful experience. Now imagine transforming those irresistible berries into a magnificent Strawberry Custard Delight Cake. With soft, buttery layers cradling a luscious custard and crowned with fresh strawberries, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s an invitation to celebrate the sweetness of life itself.
As you bring this luscious creation to the table, expect gasps of delight from your friends and family as they take their first bites. The texture contrasts beautifully—the soft sponge cake gives way to the silky custard, harmonizing perfectly with the bright acidity of the strawberries. Each forkful holds the promise of joy, evoking memories of sunlit picnics and family gatherings, making it clear that this cake is the ultimate treat for all occasions.
As you delve into this recipe, you won’t just be baking a cake; you’ll be creating a cherished memory, a dish destined to become a family favorite. So roll up your sleeves, because a Sweet Strawberry Custard Delight Cake is about to take you on a delightful culinary journey that you’ll want to relive over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
This cake doesn’t just satisfy a sweet tooth; it captivates the senses and elevates any occasion. Imagine serving a slice at a summer gathering, the vibrant colors and lush flavor profile offering a refreshing escape from ordinary desserts. The combination of soft cake layers, creamy custard, and juicy strawberries creates a symphony of flavors that make every bite a delicious experience.
One standout aspect of this Strawberry Custard Delight Cake is its versatility. You can dress it up with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent twist or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. This adaptability makes it perfect for birthday celebrations, casual get-togethers, or even a lovely afternoon tea. You’ll find that once you make this cake, it will become a staple of your baking repertoire.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into baking bliss, let’s prepare you for success! The right tools make all the difference, ensuring that your Strawberry Custard Delight Cake turns out as exquisite as envisioned.
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Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls in various sizes will allow you to comfortably handle all your ingredients, making the mixing process easier and more organized.
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Electric Mixer: A handheld mixer or stand mixer transforms butter and sugar into a fluffy texture faster than you can say "cake!"
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Spatula: A rubber spatula is essential for folding the custard and ensuring every last drop of batter makes it to the pan.
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Cake Pans: Two 9-inch round cake pans are ideal for creating those tender layers that define this delight.
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Cooling Rack: Once baked, a cooling rack prevents sogginess and allows the cake to cool evenly.
For preparation, gather all your ingredients in a single workspace, ensuring a seamless flow as you move from one step to the next. Prepping your strawberries ahead of time makes layering a breeze, allowing you to bask in the joy of creating rather than stressing about timing.
Ingredients for Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
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2 cups All-Purpose Flour: Consider using gluten-free flour for a delightful twist—we want everyone to enjoy this cake!
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2 teaspoons Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, making your cake rise to perfection.
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1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances the flavors, allowing the sweetness of the strawberries and custard to shine through.
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1 cup Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture. You can use margarine for a dairy-free option without compromising too much on flavor.
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1 cup Granulated Sugar: Essential for that lovely sweetness and contributing to the cake’s delightful texture.
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3 large Eggs: Binds the ingredients and helps achieve the cake’s structure.
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2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract: Infuses the cake with a warm, comforting depth of flavor that marries beautifully with strawberries.
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1 cup Whole Milk: Ensures a moist batter can be substituted with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free delight.
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1/2 cup Sugar (for Custard): Sweetens the custard, creating an ideal balance with the tartness of the strawberries.
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1/4 cup Cornstarch: Key to achieving a velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
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4 large Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the custard for an incredibly creamy filling.
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2 cups Fresh Strawberries: Ideal for layering and garnishing, they bring freshness and vibrancy to the cake.
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the rich tapestry of flavors and textures, inviting exploration in each bite.
How to Make Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to heat thoroughly while you prepare your batter.
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Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease and flour your 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring that the cakes release effortlessly once baked.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until combined—this helps prevent clumping.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use your electric mixer to cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes and create an inviting, aromatic mixture.
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Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in the vanilla extract, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—over-mixing can make the cake tough.
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Pour and Bake: Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting from your oven feels like a warm hug, doesn’t it?
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Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk and egg yolks until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens—about 5-7 minutes.
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Cool the Custard: Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before covering with plastic wrap. Make sure the wrap touches the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
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Assemble the Cake: Start with one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of custard over it, then layer strawberries. Top with the second cake layer, and finish with more custard and strawberries on top.
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Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Chef’s Notes & Helpful Tips
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Make-Ahead Tips: Bake the cakes a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic. The custard can also be prepared ahead of time. Just keep it refrigerated.
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Cooking Alternatives: Use an air fryer if you want a quicker baking time with delicious results. Just monitor your cake closely, as air fryers can vary.
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Customization Ideas: Swap strawberries for other fruits, like blueberries or peaches—feel free to mix and match flavors according to the season or your cravings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Over-Mixing the Batter: Too much mixing can lead to a dense cake. Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients.
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Underbaking: Always ensure your cake is fully baked; a toothpick should come out clean. A gooey center definitely isn’t what you want.
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Custard Not Thickening: Make sure you cook it on medium heat while stirring constantly. Too high of a temperature can ruin the silky texture.
What to Serve With Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
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Fresh Mint Tea: The lightness of mint tea refreshes the palate, enhancing the delightful flavors of the cake.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold and creamy profile of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warmth of the cake.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream elevates each bite with added richness.
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Lemonade: The zestiness of lemonade provides a lovely contrast to the cake’s sweetness, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Fruit Salad: Enhance the fruity experience by serving a side of mixed fresh fruits, refreshing and vibrant.
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Coffee: A robust cup of coffee balances the sweetness with its rich and bitter notes.
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Sparkling Water: A fizzy drink provides a refreshing finish to the indulgence of the cake.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle this over the cake for those who enjoy that decadent chocolate-strawberry combination.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, ideally covered with a moisture-proof wrap to prevent drying out. This cake retains its flavor and texture for about three days when refrigerated. For longer storage, consider wrapping and freezing slices—just ensure you consume it within a month for the best flavor experience. To reheat, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you crave that freshly baked warmth.
Estimated Nutrition Information
The following values are approximate per slice (1 piece of cake, assuming 12 servings), providing a ballpark understanding of the nutritional content:
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and actual portion sizes.
FAQs
Can I make the custard without eggs?
Absolutely! You can use a cornstarch-based egg substitute. A mixture of almond milk and cornstarch works well, just adjust the amounts to achieve the thickness desired.
How can I enhance the flavor of my strawberries?
Macerate your strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This draws out their juices and intensifies their flavor.
Is gluten-free flour a good option for this cake?
Yes, gluten-free flour can work well in this recipe! Just ensure you select a high-quality blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
What if I don’t have vanilla extract?
If vanilla extract isn’t available, pure almond extract can be a flavorful substitute, though it will impart a slightly different taste.
Can I add frosting to this cake?
While the custard adds a lovely creaminess, if frosting is your preference, a light whipped cream frosting or cream cheese frosting would suit this cake nicely.
Conclusion
As you gather the ingredients and prepare to create this Irresistibly Sweet Strawberry Custard Delight Cake, let the anticipation build. With each step, you’re crafting not just a dessert, but a centerpiece for connections and memories. Picture your loved ones gathered around the table, laughter filling the air as they indulge in this delightful creation. This cake embodies the very essence of joy, sunshine, and the sweet moments life offers. So, slip on your apron, embrace the delightful chaos of baking, and take a big bite out of life’s sweetest moments!
Print
Strawberry Custard Delight Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luscious Strawberry Custard Delight Cake featuring soft layers, creamy custard, and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 large Eggs
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Whole Milk
- 1/2 cup Sugar (for Custard)
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 4 large Egg Yolks
- 2 cups Fresh Strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition; blend in the vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Pour and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- Prepare the custard by whisking together 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt; stir in milk and egg yolks.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened (5-7 minutes).
- Cool the custard before covering with plastic wrap.
- Assemble the cake by layering custard and strawberries between the cake layers.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
Customize with other fruits or serve with vanilla ice cream for a perfect pairing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
